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chickchick22's review against another edition
5.0
Love this book so much! Pablo is a realistic character, and a great big brother too. His swings between being super annoyed by Chiqui to loving her with all his heart--totally realistic, and I know that other older siblings would agree :)
explorebooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
309804490's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mhenneous's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
miszjeanie's review against another edition
4.0
How to Make Friends with the Sea is a shining debut that skillfully handles multiple issues, from adoption to anxiety to coping with parental separation and divorce. Set in the Philippines, you can be sure to experience the vibrant culture, food, and heart of the Filipino people in the pages of this book. I would highly recommend it to anyone who’s ready for a heartwarming adventure.
https://readingmiddlegrade.com/how-to-make-friends-with-the-sea-tanya-guerrero-review/
Merged review:
Thanks to the author for an e-ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
How to Make Friends with the Sea is a shining debut that skillfully handles multiple issues, from adoption to anxiety to coping with parental separation and divorce. With this book set in the Philippines, you can be sure to experience the vibrant culture, food, and heart of the Filipino people in its pages. I would highly recommend it to anyone who’s ready for a heartwarming adventure.
Read my full review here.
Merged review:
How to Make Friends with the Sea is a shining debut that skillfully handles multiple issues, from adoption to anxiety to coping with parental separation and divorce. Set in the Philippines, you can be sure to experience the vibrant culture, food, and heart of the Filipino people in the pages of this book. I would highly recommend it to anyone who’s ready for a heartwarming adventure.
https://readingmiddlegrade.com/how-to-make-friends-with-the-sea-tanya-guerrero-review/
https://readingmiddlegrade.com/how-to-make-friends-with-the-sea-tanya-guerrero-review/
Merged review:
Thanks to the author for an e-ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
How to Make Friends with the Sea is a shining debut that skillfully handles multiple issues, from adoption to anxiety to coping with parental separation and divorce. With this book set in the Philippines, you can be sure to experience the vibrant culture, food, and heart of the Filipino people in its pages. I would highly recommend it to anyone who’s ready for a heartwarming adventure.
Read my full review here.
Merged review:
How to Make Friends with the Sea is a shining debut that skillfully handles multiple issues, from adoption to anxiety to coping with parental separation and divorce. Set in the Philippines, you can be sure to experience the vibrant culture, food, and heart of the Filipino people in the pages of this book. I would highly recommend it to anyone who’s ready for a heartwarming adventure.
https://readingmiddlegrade.com/how-to-make-friends-with-the-sea-tanya-guerrero-review/
ktmiller_14's review against another edition
4.0
This would have been a great book for middle school me.
Pablo is an eleven year old living in the Philippines with his mother, Carmen. Usually Carmen helps save wildlife, though this time she's decided to save a child, Chiqui. Chiqui has a cleft lip and needs some health issues taken care of before being adopted. Over the course of the novel, Pablo gets to know Chiqui as much as his own fears. Through learning how to be a brother, he learns to face his fears and enjoy what good life has to offer.
Which was beautiful. I related to Pablo a lot, especially with his fears related to germs and struggles to ground himself. I don't have OCD so I can't really comment on how that is presented, but as someone with a different diagnosed anxiety disorder, I appreciate seeing mental health struggles depicted more authentically in middle grade literature.
The setting of the Philippines, I think, served to highlight everything Pablo is afraid of. And seeing him grow so much throughout the novel was amazing to see. This was a stellar debut novel! I'm definitely looking forward to seeing more from Tanya Guerrero.
Pablo is an eleven year old living in the Philippines with his mother, Carmen. Usually Carmen helps save wildlife, though this time she's decided to save a child, Chiqui. Chiqui has a cleft lip and needs some health issues taken care of before being adopted. Over the course of the novel, Pablo gets to know Chiqui as much as his own fears. Through learning how to be a brother, he learns to face his fears and enjoy what good life has to offer.
Which was beautiful. I related to Pablo a lot, especially with his fears related to germs and struggles to ground himself. I don't have OCD so I can't really comment on how that is presented, but as someone with a different diagnosed anxiety disorder, I appreciate seeing mental health struggles depicted more authentically in middle grade literature.
The setting of the Philippines, I think, served to highlight everything Pablo is afraid of. And seeing him grow so much throughout the novel was amazing to see. This was a stellar debut novel! I'm definitely looking forward to seeing more from Tanya Guerrero.
raechsreads's review against another edition
4.0
Oh my goodness! How To Make Friends With The Sea is an amazing story! It's about a boy whose mother moves the two of them from place to place to rescue animals. Now in the Philippines, she's been asked to save a little girl, who just may help them discover what they've been missing. The story pulls at the heart strings and has dashes of humor. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a book about characters whom are different, yet unique in their own wonderful ways.
ericadeb's review against another edition
3.0
I really liked this book, but there were some plot points that were sort of abandoned. Never found out what was with the mom and the boss, but otherwise it was really sweet and interesting to watch the main character's growth. The only thing is that I don't know if a kid would pick it up and read it. But I did really enjoy it.
emperor_e's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the writing style, and this book had good character development I thought as well.
Merged review:
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the writing style, and this book had good character development I thought as well.
Merged review:
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the writing style, and this book had good character development I thought as well.
lauriehnatiuk's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and the publisher for an eARC of this book.
What a stunning debut Tanya Guerrero has created - not only are there are many things tackled in this book but it I am so happy to promote another #ownvoices book from the Philippines.
Pablo lives with his mother, a zoologist who bounces around the world, which has made life for him difficult especially as he copes with anxiety and his OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). Taking place in the Philippines Pablo’s mom is working in an animal sanctuary. As Pablo is adjusting to his new life, another challenge is added to the mix.His mother takes in an orphan girl with a cleft lip named Chiqui. It has been Pablo and his mom for so long he initially feels resentful especially when he feels he has been neglected. It turns out though - if Pablo can focus on helping Chiqui his own anxiety and fears dissipate. Pablo begins to help Chiqui learn English and the bond they develop is one of sister and brother -now Pablo wants Chiqui to be a part of their family. The bond these two develop is special and will stay with readers long after they have finished the book.
The way in which the adults in this story (friends of Pablo’s mom) treat Pablo’s anxiety in a positive way (not pushing or demeaning his feelings) is powerful showing how one can support those suffering from mental health issues. I appreciated reading the many different positive relationships in the book and know readers will connect with them as well. It is wonderful to see more books from the Philippines and I enjoyed learning more about the land and the culture. I look forward to more books by Tanya Guerrero- she has knocked her first one out of the park. Available March 2020
What a stunning debut Tanya Guerrero has created - not only are there are many things tackled in this book but it I am so happy to promote another #ownvoices book from the Philippines.
Pablo lives with his mother, a zoologist who bounces around the world, which has made life for him difficult especially as he copes with anxiety and his OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). Taking place in the Philippines Pablo’s mom is working in an animal sanctuary. As Pablo is adjusting to his new life, another challenge is added to the mix.His mother takes in an orphan girl with a cleft lip named Chiqui. It has been Pablo and his mom for so long he initially feels resentful especially when he feels he has been neglected. It turns out though - if Pablo can focus on helping Chiqui his own anxiety and fears dissipate. Pablo begins to help Chiqui learn English and the bond they develop is one of sister and brother -now Pablo wants Chiqui to be a part of their family. The bond these two develop is special and will stay with readers long after they have finished the book.
The way in which the adults in this story (friends of Pablo’s mom) treat Pablo’s anxiety in a positive way (not pushing or demeaning his feelings) is powerful showing how one can support those suffering from mental health issues. I appreciated reading the many different positive relationships in the book and know readers will connect with them as well. It is wonderful to see more books from the Philippines and I enjoyed learning more about the land and the culture. I look forward to more books by Tanya Guerrero- she has knocked her first one out of the park. Available March 2020